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Gallery: Belgians take on the sand dunes of Koksijde

The 2018 Belgian national cyclocross championships took place on the hallowed sand dunes of Koksijde.

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Belgium — The course in Koksijde is wide, giving the riders amble opportunity to pass. Strong running is the key to a great result there. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — One of the sand dunes is used in both directions, giving the fans the opportunity to see two-way traffic late in the race. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — The population of the seaside town grows exponentially when the cyclocross circuit comes to town. The normally quiet and empty sand dunes are transformed into one of the greatest venues in cyclocross. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — The sand not only challenges the riders physically, but mentally as well. Full focus is part of the key to being able to ride the sand while others run. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Laurens Sweeck and world champion Wout van Aert were locked in battle for much of the elite men’s race. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Daan Soete and Toon Aerts are teammates on Telenet Fidea, but that became a non-factor late in the race when only one podium spot remained. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Though the course is wide, sometimes there is just one rideable line. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — After sitting on van Aert’s wheel for many laps, Sweeck attacked the World Champion. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Lapped riders became a factor late in the race, as in the background Soete and Aerts come over the flyover. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — For a half lap, it looked like Sweeck might be able to pull off the upset. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Van Aert putting the pressure on Sweeck. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — When van Aert finally began to distance himself from Sweeck, the crowd erupted. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — The single leg push-kick is a staple in Koksijde. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Aerts looked stronger than Soete throughout the race, but would not have enough in the tank for the final push to line. He settled for fourth on the day. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — On the final lap, van Aert had the national title all but secured. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Sanne Cant won the elite women’s title for the ninth consecutive year. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Van Aert imitated a flying bird as he rode down the finishing straight to win his third straight elite Belgian national championship at the age of 23. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Cant, Ellen van Loy, and Loes Sels completed the women’s elite podium. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Van Aert’s face shows the brutality of battling sand for 60 minutes. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Belgium — Even a two-time world champion can get awestruck at winning the Belgian national cyclocross championships. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

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